HARDY NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Lake Wales, FL – Lorraine Hardy, RN in the Emergency Department at Lake Wales Medical Center, was presented with Employee of the Month for April. Hardy was recognized for her excellent rapport with patients and their families, and her willingness to support the entire ER team.
Lake Wales, Florida – According to the Lake Wales Police Department 71-year-old Jackie Hammack who was naked at the time, ordered dogs to attack his neighbor & his poodle. He accused the neighbor of being a “Muslim terrorist.”
The neighbor Azard Baksh, was threatened approximatly two weeks ago by Hammrick. According to reports he was called a Muslim terrorist and threatening to release his five dogs to attack him.
On Monday, police say Baksh was walking his small-breed poodle along Highland Crest Loop across from Hammack’s house when Hammack followed through on his threats and released his dogs, the larger of which were described as mixed-breed dogs that weigh about 60-70 pounds each.
Two of Hammack’s dogs attacked Baksh’s 18-pound poodle, and police say Hammock made no effort to control them. Hammack’s wife then left the house and called the dog back into their home, police say.
This continued to happen two more times while Hammack stood totally naked flashing his genitals not only to Baksh, but also other neighbors.
Police arrived & arrested Hammack. He admitted to commanding his dogs to attack Baksh & his dog, but advised he wasn’t naked. Hammack was taken into custody on charges of indecent exposure in public, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and felony cruelty to an animal.
Baksh dog was taken to a veterinarian for a laceration & possible internal injuries.
Bartow, Florida – The Bartow Police Department have a message for you about recent car burglaries in the city.
“Throughout the city, over the past few weeks, there have been numerous burglaries to vehicles. Many people and entire neighborhoods have been negatively affected by this rash of crime. The majority of the burglaries have occurred during the night, and items stolen include: purses, wallets, backpacks, handguns, cash, and a variety of electronics. In some of the cases nothing was taken, however the vehicle was notably ransacked, and in 99% of the cases, the vehicle had been left unlocked. Please do not hesitate to call Bartow Police Department at 863-534-5034 to report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood or workplace. One seemingly insignificant detail could prove crucial to detectives. And most importantly, remove valuables, roll up windows and lock and secure your vehicle.”
Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department were called to the Publix Supermarket on S. R. 60 this weekend due to someone trying to pass a fake $100 bill. The customer advised they got it from the bank. Then they advised they had more money in their car and went out to get it. They never returned. This same type of incident has also happened recently in Pasco County. Since Jan. 1, Sarasota Police Department detectives have found themselves investigating five different cases involving phony cash. All of the bills have been $100 in denomination.
Haines City, Florida – On Sunday May 15, 2016 the Haines City Police Department found the body of a man dead in the back of a business parking lot. The body was identified as 32 yr. old Shavon Marlon Shawn. The body was discovered in the parking area of a Tractor Supply Co. and Big Lots at 35884 U.S. Hwy 27 in Haines City. Shawn lived on Hinson Avenue in Haines City.
At the time the Haines City Police Department hadn’t released any details on the manner of death. This however was updated earlier Tuesday afternoon and the cause of death has been ruled a gunshot. The Daily Ridge has learned that the investigation is not limited to just Haines City. The Haines City Police Department spokesperson, Brian McNulty, has confirmed that Haines City crime scene units and Polk County Sheriff’s crime scene units were at a home near Ave M & 31st St NW in Winter Haven. “It is related to the homicide” said McNulty. According to McNulty the victim was also a cross dressing performer at local clubs. The Daily Ridge has learned that Shavon Marlon Shawn also went by the stage name of Mercedes Successful and seemed to have a career as a drag queen performing locally. The performers facebook page shows that he had recently been on vacation in New York City & Atlanta. A facebook post was made at 12:17 pm on the day he was killed, just seven hours before his body was found in the parking lot. Shawn was not dressed as a woman at the time of the murder.
At this time no additional information has been released by Haines City Police Department, but the investigation is ongoing. We will update this article as more information is released.
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Lake Wales, Florida – On May 14, 2016 at approximately 12:40p.m., Rita Nicely was robbed by Brandon Tyler Mavity and Brandon Pitts when she was exiting the grocery side of Wal-Mart located at 2000 State Road 60 East in Lake Wales. Ms. Nicely 77 years old and is from Lake Wales. She had just finished shopping at Wal-Mart. She was pushing a shopping cart with her purse in the seat of the cart and her hand on the purse strap. As Ms. Nicely neared the first parking island, Mavity ran up from behind her and snatched the purse out of the cart and from her grasp. Pitts was standing nearby as a lookout. Mavity ran towards where Pitts was standing to the east. Before they could leave the parking lot, another shopper, was on her way into Wal-Mart and saw the robbery occur. She chased after Mavity but he dodged her. Mavity and Pitts fled the area east and into the orange grove.
Lake Wales Police were initially dispatched to Wal-Mart for a disturbance. Once officers were on scene, they learned a robbery had occurred. The entire shift responded to the area. They were supported by three off duty Lake Wales Police Officers who were in their department vehicle working an off duty detail. Lake Wales K9 Officer Waldron and his dog Rhaegar and Officer Esaul Hernandez began a track of the suspects immediately. The shift and off duty officers immediately set up a perimeter. Polk County Sheriff’s deputies assisted with the perimeter and their Air Unit was requested. Sergeant Michael Smith, one of the off duty officers, saw the suspects cross State Road 60 north bound. Officers and deputies closed in the perimeter and locked down the neighborhood streets of Evergreen, Martha and Grant. Residence in this area began to point out different locations where the suspects were running to. Polk County Air Unit arrived on scene and was given a description and general location of the suspects. Within seconds of arriving on scene, residents in this neighborhood began to point out to area where the suspect had run. Air immediately located the suspects hiding beside a residence and directed the K9 team to them. Mavity and Pitts tried to hide and then run from Air Unit but the Air Unit kept them in sight. The K9 team saw Mavity and Pitts running and gave K9 warnings for them to stop. Mavity and Pitts gave up and went to the ground where officers took them into custody. They were still in custody of the victim’s phone. Officers walked the path Mavity and Pitts had taken and were able to recover the victim’s purse and most of its contents.
Mavity has been charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching, which is enhanced penalty due to Ms. Nicely’s age, Resisting an Officer without Violence and Violation of Probation. Pitts has been charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching, which is enhanced penalty due to Ms. Nicely’s age and Resisting an Officer without Violence.
Mavity and Pitts each have a career in crime and both had active warrants. Mavity is 22 years of age and lives at 285 Lake Avenue South in Frostproof. Mavity’s many arrests include charges for burglary, armed burglary, grand theft, theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, driving on a suspended license, giving false information to a metal recycler, dealing is stolen property, fraud-insufficient funds, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear, and violation of probation. Pitts is 21 years of age and lives at 3778 Shetland Drive in Lake Wales. Pitts’ many arrests include charges for improper exhibition of a firearm, aggravated trespassing on property, violation of injunction against repeat violence, driving on a suspended license, violation of probation.
The Lake Wales Police Department is thankful the victim was not injured during this violent incident which could have gone bad. We are also very appreciative of the witnesses and the community for their assistance in catching Mavity and Pitts. As a result of this community and great team work between the Lake Wales Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office, citizens of both the city and the county can rest at ease tonight that these two violent criminals are in jail where they belong.
Anyone having information on this robbery is asked to call Detective Aubrey Davis at (863) 678-4223 extension 542 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.
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PCSO Homicide Unit Arrests Three Suspects in Homicide of Tyler Macklin
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On Saturday, May 14, 2016, the PCSO Homicide Unit arrested three suspects during the investigation into the homicide of 21-year-old Tyler Macklin. Arrested were:
18-year-old Joseph Edward Gomes-Brandon, Jr., of Kings Pond Ave, Winter Haven; charged with one count First Degree Murder, one count Armed Robbery, one count Armed Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling, and one count Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery. His criminal history includes previous arrests for grand theft, burglary, and VOP. 21-year-old Jonathan Felix of Avenue J NW, Winter Haven; charged with one count First Degree Murder, one count Armed Robbery, one count Armed Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling, one count Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, one count Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, one county VOP. His criminal history includes serving four years in state prison (2010-2014) for armed robbery, battery on a LEO, and burglary. 20-year-old Dylan Kindred of 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven; charged with one count Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery. His criminal history includes a narcotics arrest in January 2016. The following is an excerpt from their affidavits: Around 11:05 p.m. on May 11, 2016, Law Enforcement and EMS were dispatched to a reported shooting at 1244 Tangerine Parkway NE, Winter Haven, FL. Upon arrival, it was discovered a white male (later identified as Tyler Eugene Macklin, victim) had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. An autopsy was later performed after which the victim’s death was determined to be a homicide. During the ensuing investigation, Dylan Kindred was located and interviewed. Kindred stated post-Miranda that he was driving throughout Winter Haven in his vehicle with two other suspects he knew as “Killa” and “Waxx,” who were positively identified as Jonathan Olin Felix and Joseph Edward Gomes-Brandon, Jr., during the evening hours of May 11, 2016. While in the vehicle the three suspects discussed their mutually shared need to obtain an unspecified but large amount of currency in order to be able to “flash cash” while they were performing rap songs in a rap show scheduled on May 12, 2016, in Tampa. The subjects stated they did not have enough money of their own to be able to flash and demonstrate their desired level of affluence so they decided to “hit a lick” or rob someone. Kindred stated he suggested they rob Tyler Macklin and indicated “he should be an easy lick.” Kindred stated he then drove his girlfriend’s car (blue Honda Civic) to the victim’s residence. While the subjects were traveling to the victim’s residence he saw Gomez-Brandon in possession of a 9 mm handgun. Kindred stated the suspects were only “supposed to steal cash and drugs” from the victim and not hurt him. Kindred parked the vehicle in front of a residence next to the victim’s residence and remained in the vehicle. The other two suspects (Felix and Gomes-Brandon) then forced entry into the victim’s residence by kicking the front door. Kindred stated shortly after he saw the suspects enter the residence he heard a gunshot and then saw the suspects running from the front of the residence. Kindred stated the suspects entered the vehicle and he drove them away from the scene. Kindred stated that when the suspects entered the vehicle after the shooting, they were in possession of the victim’s wallet, $300.00 in US Currency, and a second firearm that was stolen from the victim during the commission of the home-invasion robbery. All three suspects were taken into custody without incident and booked into Polk County Jail. They will have first appearance hearings at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2016.
For any media interested in discussing these arrests with Sheriff Judd, he will be available at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2016.
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Lakeland, Florida – At 6:34 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2016, a PCSO deputy sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was speeding in the area of Kathleen Road and Duff Road. Upon stopping the vehicle and verifying the vehicle information, the deputy believed the vehicle was stolen, and called for backup. When the backup deputy sheriff arrived, the suspect fled at a high rate of speed.
Approximately eight minutes later, the feloniously fleeing suspect driving the now-confirmed stolen vehicle out of Alachua County, lost control on Duff Road, crossed over into the path of an oncoming car, crashed into it, then went through the yards of two homes. The stolen vehicle rolled, ejecting the suspect, and came to rest against a house, located at 2433 Duff Road.
The male suspect is deceased. Deputies have not identified the suspect at this time. He was the only occupant of the stolen vehicle.
The other parties in the car into which the stolen car crashed were not injured – they complained of minor injuries and have been treated and released. Nobody was home at the house where the stolen vehicle came to a rest. No significant damage was done to the house.
By Carl Fish
Lake Wales, Florida – Blake Appleton, God’s Miracle. I do not say these words lightly or strictly for affect. I say these words because I believe them to be true. I believe all things are possible through Jesus and that miracles happen only because of God. I also believe that God gives each of us the gifts and abilities to be part of those miracles. Like all of us, Blake probably never knew the plans God had for his life.
Blake Appleton, a little boy from Lake Wales, was stricken with a horrible disease. Blake Appleton was diagnosed with brain cancer in January of 2008. He was given a 10% chance of survival with a 60% chance of recurrence. After extensive chemo at Shands Hospital, Blake beat the odds and the cancer went into remission. A checkup in December 2009 showed the cancer had returned. Blake was valiant in his fight with cancer. He attended 30 sessions of radiation therapy and 40 sessions of chemo therapy. Even with his treatments, Blake still kept his smile. During all of this God’s miracle was working. Blake was changing hearts, bringing the best out of people, he was inspiring.
In December 2010 after suffering more than long enough, little Blake, decided on his own that he wasn’t going to take the sessions of chemo and radiation therapy. He knew it was making him sick to the point that he could no longer bear it. A seed that God planted in a young girl, named Emma Hill, who Blake had personally touched started to grow. Emma, a 13 year old girl was determined to contact a hero of Blake’s. That hero was Tim Tebow. Tim Tebow was the most prestigious sports athlete in the world at that moment. The seed that God planted, Blake’s personality, and courage combinded, produced a phone call from Tebow to Blake. It was huge for the young man and huge for a community to know that someone could care so much about another person. Tebow would go on to mention Blake’s name on national television and they would personally meet. Many stories would be written. This story would affect people all over the United States. I personally was contacted by people in Denver Colorado expressing support for Blakey and wanting to help bring him to a Broncos game. If generous donors didn’t sponsor the trip for Blake, then Tim Tebow’s W15H Foundation was prepared to bring him to the playoff game with the Steelers.
Many other trips soon followed. He was a court side guest at an Orlando Magic game as well as a New York Knicks Game. He also visited with with celebrities and the local sheriff. Even before the Tim Tebow story Blake had a love for fire trucks and fire fighters. He was honored many times by firefighters locally and out of state. Blake would take part in a motorcycle event in his honor, an award in his name would be given away at his school and many other events would be touched by his presence. Through all of this, he inspired those that inspire so many others. His classmates and teachers at school were the greatest witnesses of his kindness and courage. He will have a lasting effect on his generation and the generations to come.
Blake Appleton died on Tuesday May 15, 2012. Rain would pour down on the community of Lake Wales, I wonder, is that heaven crying for joy or sorrow? To me, he is the miracle that brings inspiration, hope, and community. In the face of death, he inspired people with his courage. He brought hope that even if your days seem dark, you can make them brighter with a smile. He brought thousands together to realize something or someone may be more important than themselves. I believe that God’s miracle, Blake Appleton, has created the seed for thousands of miracles. I hope that you will not waste a moment of your life not following Blake’s example, and let God work his miracles through you.
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